About the Gay & Lesbian Downtown Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood, Mark's List

About the Gay & Lesbian Downtown Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood, Mark's List in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Author:

Mark

Curator:

The Mark's List Gang

Swich to other Fort Lauderdale neighborhood guides:
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Gateway and Victoria Park
Wilton Manors

Prior to the Wilton Manors Neighborhood becoming the center of Fort Lauderdale's Gay and Lesbian scene, downtown Fort Lauderdale ruled. The areas around Las Olas Boulevard, Victoria Park and the New River were home to world famous bars like Cathode Ray, China White and Living Room. Although the area has lost most of its bars (Johnny's remains), downtown Fort Lauderdale is still home to first class entertainment at places like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Art, Riverwalk and the ever present shops, galleries and restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard.

Broward County is home to over 4,100 restaurants and over 120 nightclubs (1/3 of them are Gay or Lesbian oriented). Nearby Fort Lauderdale Beach has recently seen a surge in the building of mega hotels that cater to the high end visitor. In the past few years, Ritz Carlton, Hilton, Westin, The Atlantic and the now famous W Hotel Fort Lauderdale with it's voyeur's dream glass walled pool have stolen the limelight from Fort Lauderdale's long established Gay Guesthouse culture. The Guesthouses, including the Coconut Cove, Villa Venice, The Elysium Resort and the The Grand Resort and Spa nonetheless carry on and are full to capacity virtually every weekend. In many cases, the Guesthouses offer the same world class service as their high end competition, at a lower price and in a frisky atmosphere that appeals to many a Gay traveler. Also within a short distance of Wilton Manors and within a stones throw of most of the Gay guesthouses is the popular Gay Beach at Sebastian Street and you will find another popular LGBT destination at Gateway, about half way between Wilton Manors and the beach.

Swich to other Fort Lauderdale neighborhood guides:
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Gateway and Victoria Park

GLLN (Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network) 2018 Gala The 2018 GLLN (Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network) hosted their annual gala at the Josephine S. Leiser Opera House in downtown Fort Lauderdale, which benefited The Stonewall National Museum & Archives. GLLN (Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network) 2018 Gala	The 2017 Equality Rally for Unity & Pride and Pulse Remembrance Broward County community leaders hosted the Equality Rally for Unity & Pride and Pulse Remembrance at Huizenga Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The day featured speaches from key leaders, including Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Alcee Hastings, spiritual leaders, commissioners, and various non-profit agencies. The 2017 Equality Rally for Unity & Pride and Pulse Remembrance
GLLN Networking Luncheon at Timpano The GLLN (Gay Lesbian Lawyer Network) hosted their monthly networking luncheon at Timpano Italian Chophouse on Las Olas in downtown Fort Lauderdale, which included a check dispersal from their annual galla and a lecture on mediation techniques and tips. GLLN Networking Luncheon at Timpano	Modern Day Cuba in Havana, Cuba The borders to Cuba have recently been opened to tourists and here is a sneak peak at Modern Day Cuba in Havana, Cuba. Modern Day Cuba in Havana, Cuba
2016 Atlantis Gay Cruise The Atlantis Gay Cruise left from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and went around the Caribbean with thousands of gays ready to let loose on the open seas. The cruise featured special performances from Deborah Cox, Miss Ridgefield 1980, and RuPaul's Drag Race Star Bianca Del Rio. 2016 Atlantis Gay Cruise	Florida Youth Coalition 2016 Icon Awards Gala The Florida Youth Coalition hosted their 2016 Icon Awards Gala at The Signature Grand in Davie, Florida. The event highlighted the organization and awarded nine people for their hard work and accomplishments within the LGBT community. Florida Youth Coalition 2016 Icon Awards Gala
Our Fund Party at Northern Trust Our Fund provides links from philanthropic donors to appropriate LGBT charities in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area. They recently hosted a party at Northern Trust on Las Olas Blvd. honoring their Legacy Society and delivering a lecture from FIU on rising tide waters. Our Fund Party at Northern Trust	2016 Las Olas Art Festival The Las Olas Arts Festival in Fort Lauderdale, FL features art and artists of Florida being showcased along Las Olas Boulevard. 2016 Las Olas Art Festival
2013 FLIFF Opening Night The 28th Annual FLIFF (Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival) held its Grand Opening at Cinema Paradiso in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Attending the premier of "Free Ride" was actor/producer Stephen Moyer, Director Shana Betz, as well as Lea Thompson and John Shea, and a host of other film festival actors, writers, and directors. View FLIFF photos	MDE Martinis and Meatballs Party at Anthony's Runway 84 MDE (Minority Development & Empowerment Inc.) sponsors charity events around Fort Lauderdale, FL. They recently held a Martinis and Meatballs fund raiser at Anthony's Runway 84 that brought awareness to their cause. View MDE event photos

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LISTACLE: The Ultimate Guide to Spring Movies 2018

Spring in South Florida means warm, sunny days and cool nights. It’s the last few months where us Floridian’s can go outside, enjoy next to no humidity and not be drenched in sweat the moment you open your front door. Whether you prefer to spend your time indoors or outside soaking up the sun, check out definitive guide to the hottest blockbuster movies: The Ultimate Guide to Spring Movies 2018

Designer Andrew Christian Talks Sex, Power and Freedom

Highlighting a plethora of rock-hard bodied Andrew Christian Trophy Boys in various stages of undress, including fan-favorites Arad, Cory and Topher, popular underwear designer Andrew Christian’s provocative, sexually-charged book of fantasy, innuendo and desire is making quite the statement. SEX = POWER = FREDOM isn’t just any adult picture display of naked men created with the sole purpose of getting you off—although it successfully delivers if that tickles your fancy. This controversial coffee table centerpiece, which boasts 200 glossy pages of in-your-face black and white images, culminates in an emotional representation of art, sex, diversity, personal expression and political freedom.

Andrew Christian, who has also made his rounds as a reality television star, spoke with Mark’s List about SEX = POWER = FREEDOM, his admiration for Madonna, the Trump administration and his upcoming book tour. Read the full interview: Designer Andrew Christian Talks Sex, Power and Freedom

MANCANDY: Bisexual Adult Film Star Talks Sexual Fluidity

Jaxton Wheeler is not only one of the sexiest (have you seen that hairy body and those legs? DAMN!), and hard working men in Adult Film, but it turns out he is also a nice guy! He has been in over 70 scenes and was nominated for most masculine at the Grabby’s and was awarded best group scene many times. In addition, he was voted AEBN #1 model for sales worldwide. He also trended earlier this summer as part of the “Right in Front of my Salad?” meme. Yep, that was Jaxton in the kitchen!

Check out an interview with Jaxton Wheeler as he prepares for a Labor Day Weekend appearance at the world famous Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale.

Mark's Mancandy: Fitness Model Jose Lazaro

Fitness model Jose Lazaro, 19, is originally from Cuba and has lived in Miami for the last nine years. He describes himself as very optimistic, energetic and determined. Find out how this Latino hottie stays in such great shape and check out the sexy photos from his latest photo shoot (Photos Dale Stine).

Six Healthy Foods That Satisfy Every Urge

In order to achieve maximum fitness and keep those juices flowing in all the right directions, a healthy diet is a key ingredient to the toughest workout regimen. Although some sacrifices must be made, eating well doesn’t have to be completely boring or gag-inducing. These six healthy foods will not only help steer you on a healthier path, but also allow you to satisfy your underlying urges along the way!

Florida's Best Clothing Optional Gay Men's Resorts

Life in the tropics is all about beating the heat. And what better way cool off than to hang out poolside without clothing? Florida has dozens of clothing optional resorts, but which ones are the best? Here's the Mark's List take on the 5 best (in no particular order).

In Key West check out New Orleans House and Island House. New Orleans House is located on Duval Street, right in the middle of all of the action. You can count on a great time poolside or in Key West's biggest Gay nightclub, Bourbon Street Pub. Island House is located on a quieter side street and offers amazing rooms, many of them opening onto the pool and patio. There's also an amazing pool side cafe serving up some of the best food (and libations) on the Island. In Fort Lauderdale, we suggest you get your Gay clothing optional groove on at The Grand Resort and Spa, which offers an upscale atmosphere with amenities that include spa services, poolside cabana bars and plenty of tanning lotion to keep your booty from burning. In Central Florida you can head out into the woods and catch some all over rays at the Sawmill Camping Resort. Sawmill offers cabins and plenty of places to park RVs or pitch tents. There's also a large heated pool, a dance hall, restaurant, several themed bars and plenty of trails to go "hiking" on.

Adult Film Star Rocco Steele Tackles HIV Stigma

Although research and support for the HIV/AIDS community has come a long way since the 80s and 90s, a great deal of ignorance and stigma still exists—even within the gay community. With celebrities such as Charlie Sheen and Danny Pintauro (Who’s the Boss?) recently bringing HIV/AIDS into the entertainment headlines, perhaps now is the perfect time for a new, more enlightened conversation on the subject.

Mark’s List spoke with adult film star Rocco Steele, who has experienced his fair share of ups and downs with addiction and living with HIV. He has, however, used these personal experiences as a catalyst to promote HIV awareness and education. Read the full interview after the Jump: Adult Film Star Rocco Steele Tackles HIV Stigma

HOT LIST: Fort Lauderdale's Top 100 Restaurants

South Florida is fortunate to boast a wide variety of amazing restaurants, diners and cafes to satisfy every palate and every budget. It’s pretty much impossible to narrow the best ones down to 100, so let’s just call these some of the favorites. Find out which restaurants made the list: Fort Lauderdale's Top 100 Restaurants

Florida's Gay and Lesbian Beaches

We've given our Florida Gay Beaches Guide a makeover. Florida is surrounded by some of the best beaches in the world. From the cool to the touch quartz sand of Siesta Key to world famous beaches in cities like Fort Lauderdale, St Petersburg and Miami, there is something for everyone. You'll find our guide right here: Florida Gay and Lesbian Beach Guide